Review
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Stem Cells. Sep 26, 2014; 6(4): 380-390
Published online Sep 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i4.380
Advances in haplo-identical stem cell transplantation in adults with high-risk hematological malignancies
Michael J Ricci, Jeffrey A Medin, Ronan S Foley
Michael J Ricci, Ronan S Foley, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8V 1C3, Canada
Jeffrey A Medin, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M1, Canada
Ronan S Foley, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Center, 711 Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8V 1C3, Canada
Author contributions: Ricci MJ and Foley RS completed the literature search and review of current clinical transplant trials; Medin JA oversaw the write up and provided input on the stem cell and immune background.
Correspondence to: Ronan S Foley, MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Center, 711 Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8V 1C3, Canada. foleyr@hhsc.ca
Telephone: +1-905-5212100-42074 Fax: +1-905-5752553
Received: November 28, 2013
Revised: July 4, 2010
Accepted: July 15, 2014
Published online: September 26, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Timely donor availability remains a challenge for patients in need of an urgent stem cell transplant. The ability to obtain half matched stem cells from any family member represents a significant breakthrough in the field. This review summarizes some of the current strategies used to substantially improve the outcomes of patients undergoing haplo-identical stem cell transplantation.